The first exhibit opening and how she got there

By Alyson Stanfield on April 18, 2007

I normally wouldn’t post an individual artist’s opening on the blog, but this one is personal.

My sister-in-law, Shelly Lewis Stanfield, is having her first opening tomorrow, April 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. She’s showing her highly textured abstract paintings at Deep Fork Grill in Oklahoma City. (Incidentally, this is the anniversary of the OKC bombing. I like it that her opening is on that date. Art conquers fear and hate once again.)

I’m terribly proud of her, although I have nothing to do with her successes. She’s got her hands full with my 3 1/2- and 5-year old nephews and she’s worked overtime to get this body of work together. She’s living proof that:

You can accomplish whatever you put your mind to.

Connections are invaluable, but follow-through is even more critical. A close friend saw her work and said she should be showing it. They were connected to the restaurant and she followed through with everything. Shelly saw a door open and she took it.

A supportive spouse goes a long way in an artist’s career. My handy brother has been making her supports and serving as photographer.

Rumor has it that 5-year-old Heath is the tour guide as he has the names of all the paintings memorized.

5 comments to The first exhibit opening and how she got there

Beautiful painting ! (Maybe sister-in-law could tell Deep Fork Grill that “dinning” is not really something one does in restaurants…) Our private dinning areas are perfect for business meetings, private parties, rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions or any occasion or your special intimate dinning desires.(copied from front page)… Also- they should put up a painting on their site with a mention ?

I saw Shelley’s show, and knew what I was seeing, because Alyson put her information on her blog. By Saturday evening, I saw three or four red dots. The lighting on Saturday was not very good. Restaurant personnel estimated that 400+ came to the opening. Wow. I am impressed. Shelley’s cards and biographical information were stunning. I snagged one of each as a sample. By the way, I live in Galveston, Texas, and just happened to be in OKC Saturday evening and saw the show. Getting the word out there matters.